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Bitter Mai Tai

Difford’s Guide
Discerning Drinkers (66)
Bitter Mai Tai image
Measurements in:
Serves:
1
Ingredients
1 1⁄3 fl oz Italian red bitter liqueur
2⁄3 fl oz Crossfire Hurricane Jamaican Rum
1⁄3 fl oz Ferrand Dry Curaçao liqueur
5⁄6 fl oz Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
3⁄4 fl oz Monin Almond (Orgeat) Syrup

Read about cocktail measures and measuring

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How to make

Glass

Photographed in a Kahiko MaiTai Black 12oz

Prepare

  1. Select and pre-chill a DOUBLE OLD-FASHIONED GLASS.
  2. Prepare garnish of lime slice wheel and mints sprigs.

Method

  1. SHAKE all ingredients with ice.
  2. STRAIN into glass filled with crushed ice.

Garnish

  1. Garnish with lime slice wheel and mints sprigs bouquet.

Flavour Profile

No alcohol
Medium
Boozy
Sweet
Medium
Dry/sour
More cocktails with similar strength and taste profile

Health & Nutrition

Nutrition:

One serving of Bitter Mai Tai contains 242 calories

Alcohol content:

  • 1.2 standard drinks
  • 13.77% alc./vol. (27.53° proof)
  • 17.4 grams of pure alcohol

Allergens:

Recipe contains the following allergens:

  • Orgeat (almond) sugar syrup (2:1) — Nuts

Values stated for alcohol and calorie content, and number of drinks an ingredient makes should be considered approximate.

History

Adapted from a recipe created in 2019 by Jeremy Oertel at Donna Bar in Brooklyn, New York City.

More cocktails by Jeremy Oertel

Review

Just as it says on the tin! Recognisably a Mai Tai and bittersweet.

Variations/similar cocktails

Mai Tai (Trader Vic's)
Mai Tai (Difford's)
Mai Tai (Beaumont-Gantt's)
Tia Mia
Well-oiled Mai Tai

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$3.14 per cocktail*

Makes a minimum of 9 cocktails.
Shipping and applicable tax calculated at checkout.


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Gallery

Comments & Discussion

Calvin Grant Premium Member
Not bad with a Campari/Aperol split.
score: 1
Mike Beatty
I will up the rum to a full ounce next time. A lot of orgeat, but surprisingly not too sweet. Very good drink.
score: 2
Calvin Grant Premium Member
Just tried it with a full ounce of Planteray Xaymaca and it was fabulous. Also used Dry Curaçao. Good suggestion. Thanks.
score: 2
Loïc Pierre
Really interesting, quite sweet. Made with Smith and Cross that is highly recognizable in the cocktail. I would repeat it with a more neutral rhum to see what happens.
score: 2
Natasha Cloutier
I floated a bar spoon of Wray and Nephew on top, possibly because I don't like Campari and it was nice. Still fonder of the original Mai Tai though.
score: 3
Chris Dimal
I have to say this was delicious, but less complex than the original Mai Tai. Fair bit Campari forward, which is pleasant, but doesn't stack up to multiple dimensions of the original.
score: 3
John Champion
I always say that the easiest way to get someone into Campari is with a Jungle Bird. Once they're hooked I say switch them up to a Bitter Mai Tai. Bolder and more bitter but still very much tiki. A complex and truly delicious riff.
score: 3
simon salatgurke
surprisingly, the campari doesn't take over and goes really well with the orgeat. I used Smith & Cross, too and highly recommend it.
score: 4
Calvin Grant Premium Member
Took Erik's advice and used Smith and Cross navy strength pot still rum. Fantastic!
score: 4
Erik Lindgren
Nice cocktail! Benefits from an overproofed rum! Tried it with Plantation O.F.T.D. with great results!
score: 3

View 9 comments and discussion

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Bittersweet cocktails are often made with Italian red bitter or amari liqueurs.

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Difford’s Shop logo
$3.14 per cocktail*

Makes a minimum of 9 cocktails.
Shipping and applicable tax calculated at checkout.


Orders are processed by a licensed Fulproof retailer. The buy now button is added simply for convenience.

Checkout

* May not include all ingredients. Price per cocktail is an estimate based on cost of one cocktail with ingredients shown above and does not include shipping.

Visit Difford’s Shop USA

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